MARGAO
Kings School Mugali Sao Jose de Areal won their last league group match of the 63rd edition of Subroto Cup Under-17 girls’ tournament in Delhi but that was not enough for them to qualify for the next stage.
The Goan school trounced Dhirubai Ambani School, Mumbai representing ISSO (The International Schools Sports Organization) 15-0 in their third and concluding league match of Group at G D Goenka University City, Gurugram.
Valaina scored nine goals while Analee netted two goals. Neha, Keren, Lara and Vanya found the back of the nets once for the Goan team.
The Goan team lost one and won two matches, with their only loss coming at the hands of Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP) school in their second league match, losing 3-0.
They won the first match against Government Senior Secondary School Sombaria Sikkim, 1-0.
Kings School finished second behind the Bangladesh school, which topped the group and the Goa school finished second, in which the champion schools from different states and Union territories are taking part along with schools from Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are taking part.
The Goan school team officials while reflecting on the participation in the tournament said; “It was an honour and an experience for the entire team and school will cherish. In football, we want to keep learning,” said Kings School chairman Melvin Pereira.
“It was a privilege to play against each of these teams and we respect them. It was a learning experience and we have a lot to improve. It’s a beautiful game, but needs a lot of passion & commitment. Football training needs to be consistent, regular, committed and that needs to permeate our grassroots sports scenario in Goa. Our team included newcomers and young players and that’s how we wanted it to be, for we are here for the long haul, with players who are committed to training,” he said on the journey which awaits the players.
Complimenting the efforts of Coach and Sports Director, Christina Roldan from Barcelona, who is now based in Goa Pereira said: “Our Coach & Sports Director, Christina Roldan has worked hard and intelligently with the team. His passion to see them grow is commendable.”
“Coach Prestly Pereira and Team Manager Malaka Pathan provided immense support to the team. The Director, Ligia Pereira is personally hands-on with the sports program in school and encourages students to balance sports and academics, an endeavour that is wholeheartedly backed by the Principal, Tanuja Dessai and the dedicated school teachers,” he added.
“Their organisational skills, punctuality, providing excellent accommodation facilities and full board for the team, coach and manager, transportation to matches and to the airport (the school covered air fares) and the professionalism on and off the field is noteworthy,” he said.
Incidentally Goa’s own former football and referee Wing Commander, Uvena Fernandes forms part of the organizing committee of the tournament.
“Wing Commander, Mrs Uvena Fernandes and Hony Secretary General Yashwant Singh Pangal and the entire Subroto team have given a boost to grassroots football development in schools across India and internationally. Their contribution is remarkable and enriches the life of each footballer student who is part of it,” he said on a parting note.
